A Brief Guide On Fixing Leaky Kitchen Faucets

It’s not at all pleasant to hear drops of water continuously flowing from your leaky kitchen faucet all day — or all night for that matter. What’s worse is seeing the increase in your water bill because of this leak. Fortunately, this problem isn’t that difficult to fix. In fact, replacing and repairing faucets is among the basic plumbing skills that every homeowner should have. So if you presently have a leaky faucet at home, read our guide and repair it right away! Don’t forget that your meter is running every time a drop of water comes out of the tap!

1. Shut off the water supply. Do this by twisting the valve under the sink clockwise.

2. Before getting your tools and materials, don’t forget to plug the drain. This will ensure that small faucet parts such as the screw or the washer won’t go down the pipes. It will not only be annoying but it may also clog your pipes.

3. Examine the type of faucet that you have. If yours is a ball faucet, go on and continue reading. For other faucet types, watch out for our future posts.

4. Get a replacement kit for your ball faucet. It will include parts and tools that you’ll need to have the faucet repaired. Take note though that a complete replacement may not be necessary to put a stop to the leak.

5. Disassemble the faucet by unscrewing it and removing the handle. Set it aside.

6. Remove the faucet’s cap and collar. You can do this by using the tool in your replacement kit. Once done, remove the cam, washer and the ball, too. You’ll know it’s the right part when you see a rubber ball plugged in a socket.

7. Use your handy pliers and detach the seals and springs. Simply reach into the mechanism and pull it out.

8. Cut off the old o-rings. Get their replacement and coat them with plumber’s grease before installation.

9. Check your replacement kit for new springs, cam washers and valve seats. Install these parts the way they were previously installed.

10. Put the handle back and make sure that it is properly secured. Turn on the water supply and run the tap. Is it still leaking? If it doesn’t, then congratulations! You have just replaced your very first faucet!

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